Private message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_antonin]

Bella mentioned she has let you both know about the results of the investigation.

My darlings, I am so damned sorry. I have been as involved as I could -- obviously not as much as I would like, but I did not want to risk the slightest chance any small piece of exculpatory evidence would be overlooked. The facts are grim, however, and growing even grimmer with each new bit of evidence that is uncovered.

All is not lost -- if we are able to find him, there is still the chance this has all been nothing more than a horrible misunderstanding, and if that proves to be the case, I will continue to advocate for him as fiercely as I am capable.

I swear to you upon the names of my dead and the gods of my family: I will not allow Draco to be condemned without at least one voice speaking for him. But I must beg you to allow me to be the one doing that advocacy, however. I cannot imagine our enemies will not seize upon these events like vultures falling on carrion, and for you to be the ones urging moderation would no doubt be even more ammunition for their vendetta.

If nothing else, our deception of the past six months or so may serve us now, as I might be listened to more readily if others think I am not simply reacting out of loyalty and allegiance. It is one small hope in the midst of this despair.

What else can I do for you right now?

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Bratka,

In discussion with Bellatrix. Agree, the case is disturbing.

Believe we may have arranged a final appeal, which may, if he shows sense, allow us to put this unfortunate incident behind us all.

He sat there with me on Friday How did we deserve

Thank you, for your staunch support. You are right that it is better this comes at the end of our long road back to a modicum of sanity within the Council and that you are in better position to argue the case of reason.

There is much left to clarify, and only Draco can do that. Let us both pray that he recognises his duty to his family and decides to redeem his honour.

[alt_antonin]

I saw that you had written to him. I cannot imagine that if he had written back you would not have mentioned, but -- has there truly not been any activity in his journal, at all?

Of course, that question would be much easier if we could consult the records. Which makes me wonder if that was the purpose, and who was behind the attack on the archives, and precisely how it is related to this whole debacle.

(As to that, at least we are finally able to communicate without worrying it might come back to bite us on the arses later on. Not that I distrust Pennifold, precisely, but as we have seen, there are no guarantees.)

Perhaps I will try writing to him sometime in the next few days with another appeal for him to see reason and duty. In the midst of confusion I can imagine it would have been possible for him to overlook your message; maybe an entreaty from an outsider would have more success. Then again, I cannot imagine him being so cruel as to leave you in doubt for his safety if he had any choice about the matter, which points again to his not being free to act of his own volition at the moment.

I am at least consoling myself that if Snape does have Draco, it is exceptionally unlikely that he will do Draco harm. Unless he has changed far more than I would imagine a man could in fifteen years, even with the shade of Azkaban between then and now, he is not the type to choose random cruelty over potential advantage.

[alt_lucius]

No, there has been no word.

And no demand from Snape, either, which is in itself somewhat damning.

The archives were indeed utterly destroyed - Fiendfyre, is the forensic report I have seen - and the timing of it points toward Snape or his associates seeking to ensure that the mudblood's messages could not be reviewed.

Unfortunately, that also means Draco's messages cannot be reviewed. Have even heard a rumour that Mulciber thinks he can suggest that I gave some kind of order to have the place routed. (We had far more pressing business that night, as you'll recall.)

I don't know. I would have thought it unthinkable that he could succumb to the temptation of a mudblood, but unless they have kept him under a perpetually replenished love potion - of which Snape is certainly capable, but it's unlikely - well, as you say. The facts paint more and more grim a picture.

[alt_antonin]

Should it become necessary I will of course swear on my wand, my magic, and my vows to Our Lord that you were in my presence that night often enough that there was no possibility of your involvement. Not that this would satisfy Mulciber, but if others take up the slander, let me know.

I had thought of a love potion as well -- Snape was always obsessed with the idea of that family of potions -- but even the strongest could not induce a man to actions so uncharacteristic, particularly not when Draco's will is so strong. It would indeed be a comforting hope to hold out, but I cannot put much faith in the prospect. Imperius, perhaps, but I cannot imagine that holding over time. Again, Draco's clarity of will and sense of self is so strong that surely he would have shaken it at some point.

I'm sorry. I had intended to be reassuring, but I'm afraid all I am doing is logicking away every possible explanation. Not helpful, I know.

What troubles me about the attack on the archive -- Fiendfyre is an incredibly difficult spell, and even though the Ministry protections no doubt helped to contain it, the fact half of New London is not ashes and dust speaks to powerful magic and well-honed control. If it was Snape -- how on earth would he have such powerful magic, after a decade and more in Azkaban? It does not make sense that his could be the wand behind it. Which necessitates another conspirator. And yet -- for Snape to be capable of having fooled us all at Hogwarts for so long suggests that Azkaban sat more lightly on his shoulders than it might have on another's. I am having a great deal of trouble reconciling the matter.

[alt_lucius]

Recall that when he first escaped from Azkaban, within months he had enough wits to steal a journal and start producing inciting columns giving instruction in magic, among other offences.

Azkaban seems not to have affected him as it would any other wizard. Suspect it has to do with the man's utter lack of pleasantness in the first place; there was very little room for him to slide into rage or despair when he wallowed in them all his days.

And he clearly had an accomplice. An insider to the Ministry.

[alt_antonin]

There is that. I suppose you need to have a soul to begin with for the Dementors to injure it.

Other evidence pointing to a conspirator: Milland -- the real one -- swears he has been in captivity for three years. Even if Snape were minimising the amount of time spent in presence of others, and thus minimising his Polyjuice usage, that is still thousands of doses. That he could brew it is no surprise -- although we have not yet found the laboratory we know must exist -- but where did he get the fluxweed?

The only thing I can think of is that a licensed grower has been diverting a steady supply to him. And given how few of those there are, I wonder if that might be a useful avenue for investigation.

Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_lucius]

Narcissa. You can imagine.

I shall undoubtedly have my work cut out for me to-night. To-morrow at Razzer's graveside service she may need shielding from the rest of the family. Certainly she will want to conceal her anxiety as much as possible. Know you will have your hands full of astronomer but if you can watch for signals, would appreciate it.

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_antonin]

Yes, of course.

I have already held my prayers for Raz (may his memory be eternal); I will be there, of course, but I would not weep should I need to spend the time as support rather than mourner. You have but to indicate and I will be there in a heartbeat.

I cannot imagine how poorly she is taking this.